Emergency Preparedness
Flooding
Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. A flood is defined as any high flow, overflow or inundation by water that causes or threatens damage. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states. Each year coastal, estuarine, riverine, overland and flash flooding places thousands of people, pets and livestock at risk of serious injury and death, and destroys property and infrastructure costing valued at billions of dollars.
Flood plains are the portions of river valleys that have been inundated by the river during historic floods.
Low-lying areas are subject to periodic severe flooding caused by any combination of heavy rains, melting snow, high tides and strong winds.
Land adjacent to or near rivers, creeks, sloughs, bays and the ocean are most vulnerable to flooding; however, flooding can occur in any lowland area.
November to April are the most vulnerable times for flooding, but flooding can occur any time of the year.
Thunderstorms, tropical storms and hurricanes, sustained or sudden rainfall amounts, rapid snowmelt, tectonic shifts (tsunamis and seiches) and technological errors (dam failures) are the main causes of flooding.
NOAA data indicate that floods kill more people annually than lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes.
Storm surges and inland flooding caused extraordinary losses of life and property damage in the aftermaths of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.
Virginia Cooperative Extension has many resources to help before, during and after emergency situations. Whether the need is flood clean-up or financial considerations, Extension offers valuable research-based information to support communities preparing and recovering from disasters. Please explore our website to learn which program or Extension Specialist may be able to best assist you, or contact your local extension office.